The 12 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums In 2021

Ever wondered what this hyaluronic acid skincare ingredient is and why there's so much hype around it?

Well, we've got a podcast for that. Find out exactly what hyaluronic acid is, what it can (and can't) do, and the best hyaluronic acid products to get on your face in this episode of the Skincare School podcast below.

(Or keep scrolling for the quick version.)

Hyaluronic Acid has been a hot ingredient in skincare these past few years and seems to be sticking around for the long haul.

This unique acid, present in the joints to maintain mobility, is a hydrating superstar that attracts, binds to and holds onto moisture from the environment for plumped, youthful skin.

Jo explains the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and what it can do for your skin:

So, what’s the best way to get your Hyaluronic fix? Our skincare experts have put together our favourite Hyaluronic Acid serums for youthful, hydrated skin.

For a potent boost of volume and hydration, you can’t go wrong with SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier. This high-tech but botanical blend of pure Hyaluronic Acid, Proxylane, Liquorice Root, and Purple Rice locks moisture into the skin’s surface. These ingredients reinforce the skin’s natural barrier and amplify the skin’s natural moisture levels by up to 30%, delivering a dewy, plump complexion with consistent use.

Over time, skin is nourished and visibly lifted, and lines are smoothed for a total complexion refresh. Ideal for all skin types, this serum–gel texture sinks in instantly, never leaving a sticky residue behind and layering beautifully with the other products in your routine. A great choice for skincare newbies and seasoned pros alike, you’ll love your new, youthful look with SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier 30ml.

Need some hydration without resorting to the sticky, heavy creams you’re used to? Grab a drink for your skin that sinks straight in with SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel - 30ml. Ideal for combination, oily, or dehydrated skin types, this lightweight hydrator attracts and binds moisture to the skin, fortifying your skin’s natural moisture barrier against moisture loss, dehydration, and environmental damage.

Pure Hyaluronic Acid is blended with Vitamin B5, a powerful humectant, that helps maintain peak moisture levels in the skin and enhances the effects of the serum. Those with acne-prone or excessively congested skin will love this balancing, oil-free formula for its ease of use, weightless feel, and plumping, firming effect on the skin. Used alone or with a daily moisturiser, SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel - 30ml is a Hyaluronic Acid serum we’re sure you’ll fall in love with.

Always formulating with sensitivity in mind, La-Roche Posay brings us Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum, a nourishing, hydrating serum that instantly softens and smooths even the most troublesome, delicate skin. A velvety serum texture, this lightweight liquid sinks in instantly, penetrating deep within the layers of the skin to provide nourishment, lock in moisture, and visibly plump and firm the skin’s appearance.

Vitamin B5, a powerful humectant, boosts the hydrating power of this formula by helping to draw in and lock down hydration for a youthful finish all day long. La-Roche Posay’s key soothing ingredient, Thermal Spring Water, provides antioxidant benefits, protecting skin from free-radical damage while minimising redness and inflammation. Perfect for sensitive or reactive skins, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum leaves you looking cool, calm, and quenched.

Industry leader Alpha-H makes a powerful claim with its Hyaluronic 8 Serum, but we’d argue that the brand truly delivers in this case! Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8 Serum 25ml, designed as an alternative to injectable Hyaluronic Acid fillers commonly used by dermatologists and skincare professionals, leaves skin plump, lush, and silky-smooth with consistent use.

Perfect for those with more mature, dry, or aging skin types, this formula combines 8 active anti-aging ingredients to reduce the appearance of expression lines and restore radiance, elasticity, and firmness to the complexion. Powerful antioxidants help prevent photoaging, while Aloe Vera soothes and hydrates for a supple, silky complexion. A unique, multitasking formula, Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8 Serum 25ml is also an incredible prep step before makeup application for a smooth, line-free finish. Reclaim your youthful glow with Alpha-H.

They don’t call this hydrating serum a ‘hug in a bottle’ for nothing! It’s the truth with Alpha-H Essential Hydration Concentrate. Designed to nourish and replenish dehydrated, dry, or mature skin, this rich oil serum contains Hyaluronic Acid to attract and bind moisture to the skin. But beyond its star ingredient, Essential Hydration includes a host of nourishing oils to boost hydration.

These oils, rich in essential fatty acids, boost and replenish the naturally occurring fatty acids in the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Hyaluronic Acid and EFAs work to strengthen the skin’s defence against dehydration caused by dry air, environmental damage, medical conditions that cause dryness, and product irritation. Deeply soothing and rich in antioxidants, this is the perfect option for those who feel that their skin deserves a snuggle. Give your skin the cuddle it deserves with Alpha-H Essential Hydration Concentrate.

Give sensitive skin a hydration boost that won’t break the bank by smoothing on The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. With a simple ingredients list that still packs a powerful punch, this light serum–gel is perfect if you’re looking for a skin treatment that omits fillers and includes only the essentials. Balance and restore proper moisture levels in your problem skin without causing new problems.

A 2% Hyaluronic Acid content attracts and binds moisture to the skin’s surface, reducing dryness, fine lines, and other signs of aging. B5 supports skin’s natural moisture reserves and boosts the effectiveness of the Hyaluronic Acid in this serum, ensuring skin is left properly hydrated and plumped for a youthful finish. Great for hydrating without the weight, this water-based serum is non-comedogenic. It’s a great option for adding a gentle infusion of moisture to oily, acne prone, or congested skin. Give your skin just what it needs—and nothing more—with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.

Hydrate with a clean, animal byproduct-free solution to dehydration with The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics. A perfect choice for all skin types, this fully vegan formula draws on natural moisturising factors derived from the ocean to hydrate ethically. This product’s ultra-lightweight, almost undetectable texture delivers a fast-absorbing boost of hydration to the skin.

Smooth on this silky, subtle serum to add an instant infusion of moisture to the skin. The light, skin-friendly water base sinks in instantly to nourish, perfect, and fortify your skin’s natural moisture reserves. The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics is a gentle hydrator that plumps and firms skin, reducing the visibility of expression lines, loss of volume, and other signs of aging for a quick route to a flawless, youthful look. Quench your skin with this formula you can feel good about.

Flood skin with weightless hydration with Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Liquid Rehydration Serum 30ml. This ultra-light formula, designed to combat dehydration and loss of radiance, infuses skin with instant moisture with a potent blend of ingredients. Hyaluronic Acid works to plump and smooth. Vitamin B5 supports skin’s natural moisture reserves while softening for a touchable, luxe complexion with consistent use.

One of Medik8’s bestselling products, this fast-absorbing hydrator sinks in instantly, leaving no greasy residue behind and layering easily with your other favourite treatments and serums. With everyday use, Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Liquid Rehydration Serum 30ml improves skin’s texture, restores a subtle glow, and refreshes your complexion for a silky, line-free finish. Great for all skin types, this serum will be loved the most by those with easily congested, dehydrated, or oily skin. Lock down a stunning glow with Medik8.

Boost hydration without irritation with Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster. A unique fluid formula rich in lightweight hydrators, this instant moisture infusion provides a flood of hydration while soothing reactive skin. You’ll see nothing but a fresh complexion without redness or inflammation. A true skin saviour, this nourishing liquid is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, which attracts and binds moisture to the skin. This instant boost to skin’s natural moisture reserves helps smooth out fine lines and other signs of dehydration.

Glycerine hydrates and protects, fortifying skin’s natural moisture barrier to prevent water loss and dehydration for long-lasting moisture. Glycolipids restore healthy fats to the skin, nourishing the natural barrier and maintaining balance in the skin. The result? Gorgeous, soothed skin that’s protected against the elements. Perfect for those in drier climates or those suffering from flaky, dry, or dehydrated skin, Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster keeps you worry-free during wear. You’ll always be properly hydrated no matter what the day holds.

Hyaluronic Acid, while a true hero in many moisturising serums and treatments, is more than just a one-note ingredient. Nothing makes that clearer than the powerful boost of nourishment provided by NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex 30ml (MMHC2). Hyaluronic Acid comes in many shapes and sizes, and the weight of the molecule determines how much moisture it will hold. NIOD ensures skin is properly hydrated by including multiple molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid in this groundbreaking formula—12 to be exact—locking down moisture for a seriously comprehensive approach to hydration.

This intensive treatment serum is formulated with a peptide delivery complex that allows it to penetrate deeply while boosting skin’s firmness and elasticity. This potent blend of hydrators and anti-agers provides a plump, youthful complexion no matter what your age. Keep your skin strong and hydrated from top to bottom with NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex 30ml (MMHC2).

Nourish and restore moisture to dry, sensitised, or dehydrated skin with Aspect Hydrating Serum. A gentle formula that’s easy on skin but tough on dehydration, Aspect Hydrating Serum is rich in multiple molecular weights of Hyaluronic Acid. This approach provides comprehensive care for those with imbalanced moisture levels or environmentally stressed skin. Simply smooth a few drops of this potent treatment serum onto skin for an instant boost of hydration that minimises flaky, dry skin, irritation, and inflammation instantly while perfecting the complexion.

This lightweight, quick-absorbing serum is designed to rebuild skin’s natural defences against moisture loss over time, making tired, inflamed skin a distant memory with consistent use. Great for those with concerns regarding ingredients, Aspect promises its formulas are, whenever possible, formulated with certified organic ingredients and no ingredients that could potentially harm the skin. Refresh and renew your look gently with Aspect Hydrating Serum, the perfect moisture booster for those with sensitive or irritated skin.

Looking for an organic option for serious hydration? La Mav, one of the industry’s first fully organic skincare brands, provides you with the perfect organic option for supercharged moisture with Hyaluronic Acid Hydra-Max Serum. A perfectly balanced blend of Hyaluronic Acid and Coenzyme Q10, this lush serum restores radiance while balancing moisture levels. Good for more than generating an instant visible glow, this formula works to strengthen skin's defences against dehydration, irritation, and environmental aggressors.

This transformative serum uses the best in organic ingredients to smooth, plump, and firm skin, helping to minimise moisture loss and the signs of aging in a snap. Perfect for all skin types, La Mav Hyaluronic Acid Hydra-Max Serum will leave you beaming in more ways than one.

So, let's recap the 12 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums

1. SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier 30ml

2. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel - 30ml

3. La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

4. Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8 Serum 25ml

5. Alpha-H Essential Hydration Concentrate

6. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

7. The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics

8. Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Liquid Rehydration Serum 30ml

9. Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster

10. NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex 30ml (MMHC2)

11. Aspect Hydrating Serum

12. La Mav Hyaluronic Acid Hydra-Max Serum

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

This article has been updated on 15/02 to replace discontinued products with our recent product recommendations. Gemma from our Customer Service team has helped to bring you our most recommended products and up-to-date information.